Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers: Game Preview, Predictions, and Odds for 2024 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Game 3 | May 12, 2024
The Edmonton Oilers are set to face the Vancouver Canucks in Game 3 of the NHL Playoffs West second round at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The puck drops on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on TBS, truTV, TVAS, SN, and SN360. The series is currently tied 1-1.
In Game 2, the Canucks were ahead in the third period but ultimately lost in overtime, surrendering their home ice advantage. As they travel for Games 3 and 4, the Canucks aim to secure at least one win to reclaim home ice.
Historically, the Oilers have dominated playoff matchups against the Canucks, holding an 8-3 record in head-to-head postseason games. This includes a triumph in a six-game series during the 1992 Smythe Division finals.
The Canucks, boasting a 23-14-4 road record in the regular season and sweeping all three away games against the Nashville Predators in a six-game series, now confront a new challenge: facing McDavid and Draisaitl together.
Before Game 2 on Friday, the Edmonton Oilers had yet to defeat the Vancouver Canucks this season. The Oilers had suffered losses in all four regular-season matchups, with a notable goal differential of 21-7. Nonetheless, they have demonstrated capability in overcoming their Pacific Division rivals.
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers: Game preview
The Vancouver Canucks face the daunting task of countering the combined prowess of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their forward line by pairing their two star players.
In Game 2, Vancouver held a lead in the third period after a strong performance in Game 1, but ultimately fell in overtime. During the loss, the Canucks managed only 19 shots on goal and went 1-for-3 on the power play.
In the playoffs, the Canucks rank ninth in the league with a 2.63 goals-for average (GFA), converting 15.8% of their power play opportunities. Defensively, they are fourth in the league with a 2.50 goals-against average (GAA) and have an 84.6% success rate in penalty killing.
Brock Boeser leads Vancouver with five goals, three assists, and 18 shots on goal. Elias Lindholm and Dakota Joshua have collectively tallied six goals and six assists. J.T. Miller and Pius Suter have combined for two goals and 35 shots on goal.
In net, Arturs Silovs, who made 27 saves in the Canucks’ 3-2 defeat, is expected to start Game 3. Thatcher Demko is nearing a return, and Casey DeSmith could step in if needed.
